10 Fun Fitness Tips for Busy Moms

10 Fun Fitness Tips for Busy Moms

I never thought it would happen to me. I’d look at mothers with two or more children and wonder, “What did those moms look like that before they had kids?” And now here I am, in the late half of my 30s, and not one to talk. I wouldn’t say that I’m “overweight,” but I never expected to look and feel this way. Young mothers, listen to these words of advice. Older moms, can you relate? Read on and let me know!

1. Never think, “Oh, I’ll lose the baby fat later. It’ll just come off naturally after I have my child.” Because it won’t. At least not after the second one.
2. Put down that pie! Or cake or ice cream or whatever your hormones are calling for – don’t do it! No, seriously, put it down! Grab some fruit. It’s probably what your body wants anyway.
3. Take your kids for a walk. Oh, Mommy, I know that one lap around the block takes 45 minutes while your child has make-believe parties with the ants on the sidewalk. Do it anyway! You are still walking around the block, and your kids are still getting the outdoor playtime they need.
4. Let your kids work out with you. No, I don’t mean put them on the treadmill and see if they can keep up! Slip in an exercise DVD and let them play next to you. They think they’re having a dance party while you’re convincing yourself that you are having a good time. Speaking of a good time…
5. Smile while you exercise. Yes, those primped-up divas on the DVDs may make you want to curse them out as they exclaim, “Doesn’t this feel great!?” But smile anyway. Try to smile with your eyes, not just your lips. Go ahead and do it now. I’ll wait… Doesn’t that make you feel happier even now? So, to those sassy spandex divas say, “Yep! And Mama’s having a good time!”
6. Let your children be your free weights. What child doesn’t love being lifted up to Mommy’s lips for belly kisses while you count out your bicep curls? See if you can do a sit-up with your toddler on your tummy. Can you lunge with your baby in your arms or wrapped up in a baby carrier?
7. Stop making excuses! One of my favorite ones to give myself is, “I can’t exercise at night after the kids go down. I’ll never get to sleep!” Let’s be honest, I rarely get to bed before 11 anyway!
8. Reward yourself for your little accomplishments. No, not with Ben & Jerry’s®. Try something else that you love and makes you feel satisfied – new socks, a stroll through a museum, a bubble bath. Whatever makes you feel lovely and gooey inside.
9. Fake it till you make it. You don’t have to work out in old sweats, sloppy ponytail and no make-up. I’m not asking for glam here, ladies, but when you catch a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror or television screen, why not like what you see? So, you’re not the size or shape you want to be. Who cares! You’re working on it, and, hey, those tennies are cute! And I like your sparkly tank top.
10. Realize that you don’t have to look better for other people. Be healthy for yourself and your family! Are you happy with the way you are? Then, great! Don’t worry about it! Only try these tips if you think, “Maybe I should be a little healthier.” So, see you at the gym! Or maybe we can just smile at each other from across the street while our kids have another ant party on the sidewalk.

What do you think? Do you have any tips for us?

Written By: Lisa Liebling